The changing climate and damaging effects of CO2 on the environment has led to awareness throughout the construction industry of the need to deliver more sustainable solutions. The use of geosynthetics as a sustainable construction solution was demonstrated by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in a report entitled Sustainable Geosystems in Civil Engineering Applications (WRAP, 2010). The WRAP report presented a series of case studies in which geosynthetic solutions provided both cost and CO2 savings in comparison to non-geosynthetic solutions. However, in what is a huge field the report concentrated on specific areas relative to the calculation methods or on the potential construction applications. This EngD research built on this work by WRAP and aimed to establish a rigorous framework for the comparison of CO2 emissions between geosynthetic and non-geosynthetic solutions. This EngD research reviewed CO2 calculation methodologies and techniques to produce a rigorous framework that could be adopted in comparative CO2 studies between geosynthetic and non-geosynthetic solutions. It was demonstrated on three case studies looking at geosynthetics in the function of containment, drainage, and reinforcement, highlighting the possible CO2 benefits of employing geosynthetics. The development of the case studies and framework highlighted the need for accurate embodied carbon data. There was an absence of geosynthetic specific embodied carbon values in the commonly employed databases. The EngD research sought to address this and through some experimental work in collaboration with geosynthetic manufacturers calculated embodied carbon values for four types of geosynthetics.

<p> This dissertation details a doctoral research project studying three food-plants&mdash;and their potential for introduction into diet and agriculture in Northern California. Applying post-qualitative methods to multispecies ethnography, I followed three food-plants (millets, edible bulbs, and milkweeds) through their life cycles and production chains, considering their many interactions with other species and the biosphere, as well as with humans. Each food's story emerged while investigating the food-plant and its potential as an appropriate crop for Northern California's changing climate. I followed each food's lifecycle, both textually and in the field, uncovering intra-actions along a "soil to sustenance" framework. The study is presented as a narrative that examines each food within cultural and biological contexts. Expanding current crop introduction efforts within a biocultural diversity framework, I call for a diversification of our choices for crops based not only on historical and cultural relevance, but also on current and future relevance for an evolving place and time. In this way, we can look to adaptive crops and traditions from around the globe, representing both a decolonization and a diversification of agriculture and diet.</p><p>

Proposta: Com o objetivo de subsidiar uma abordagem crítica do uso do sistema LEED no Brasil, este trabalho partiu da análise de suas características intrínsecas, sua evolução e aplicação ao longo do tempo no seu país de origem. Método de pesquisa/Abordagens: O trabalho apresenta uma análise do sistema LEED e sua aplicação a partir de: [1] histórico da iniciativa LEED nos EUA; [2] indicações do uso do sistema LEED no Brasil e em outros países; [3] evolução do nível de avaliação do LEED ao longo do tempo e [4] banco de dados de todos os projetos certificados pelo LEED para construções novas (LEED-NC) aproximadamente 264 projetos no total entre 2000 e 2005. Resultados: Essa análise embasou um retrato do sistema no seu país de origem, mostrou os resultados da sua aplicação nos empreendimentos do mercado americano, apresentou o perfil de certificação dos projetos e a evolução dessa dinâmica ao longo de cinco anos. Contribuições/Originalidade: Como resultados, o trabalho apresentou indicações e lições aprendidas com a utilização do LEED no seu país de origem, constatou o início do uso do sistema de avaliação no Brasil e relacionou potencialidades e inconsistências dessa aplicação para o contexto local. / Propose: Aiming to support the critical analysis of the LEED system application outside the USA, this work focuses on the evolution of LEED-NC application in its native environment between 2000 and 2005. Methods: This work presents an analysis of the LEED rating system encompassing: [1] LEED initiative history in the USA (from the early versions to the recent ones); [2] indications of LEED use in Brazil and in other countries; [3] evolution of the certification level throughout the different LEED versions; and [4] a data bank with all the LEED-NC certified projects between 2000 and 2005 (approximately 264 projects in total) based on the public search tool of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) website. Findings: This analysis supported a clear figure of the system use, showing its application results on the American building sector and its implications on other countries outside USA. Collecting the certification profiles of such developments, a historical LEED road map was produced showing the evolution of this dynamic along five years and future trends. Originality/value: The results present lessons learned as guidelines for its eventual use in other countries and evidences of the insertion of the rating system in Brazil, indicating potentialities and inconsistencies for its application in this local context.

Image makers are often--and rightly--held to task for what they produce. This is a necessary lesson, but the time has come for us to cast a critical eye on the processes that lead up to the creation of that image in the first place, especially as it relates to sustainability and environmental cost. When asking the question of "what does this work say and who is it saying it to?" we must concurrently ask "what is the environmental cost of making this work and is that cost balanced by what it is saying?"

Creating revenue diversification forces nonprofit leaders to create innovative programs and services, build resilience against adverse conditions, and establish a sustainable future. The problem is that some nonprofit managers lack strategies for developing a diversified financial portfolio to achieve sustainability. The purpose of this single-case study was to explore the revenue diversification strategies used by 3 leaders of a nonprofit organization in the eastern region of the United States through the conceptual lens of Markowitz's modern portfolio theory and Thaler's behavioral finance theory. Data were collected using purposeful sampling, semistructured interviews, and analysis of organizational documents, social media platforms, and online databases. Four categories were used to organize the data: process strengths, process opportunities, results strengths, and results opportunities. The key themes that emerged from process strengths and results strengths were utilizing volunteers, collaborating with local partners, developing diverse revenue streams, strong fiscal management, program innovation, and evaluating the market. The key themes that emerged from process opportunities and results opportunities were the lack of written processes and procedures, the lack of process improvement strategies and performance measurement outcomes, the lack of knowledge about donor attrition and retention, and high turnover in the executive director position. Organizational leaders who focus on diversifying revenue streams can serve the mission instead of chasing funding streams that have become more competitive. The social change implication of these findings is that nonprofit leaders could create sustainability through diverse revenue streams, ensuring long-term employment, and sustaining positive social impacts.

The oil and gas multinational companies (MNCs) in the Niger Delta continue to face numerous challenges operating in the region, especially concerning the loss of revenue. Based on the resource dependence theory, the purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between oil theft, pipeline vandalism, security costs, and revenue. Eighty-eight mid- to high-level managers of oil and gas completed the Factors That Affect Company Revenue instrument. The results of the multiple linear regression analyses indicated the model was able to significantly predict revenue, F(3,88) = 947,279.44, p < .001, R2 = 1.000. All 3 predictors contributed significantly to the model, with pipeline vandalism recording the highest beta value (Ã? = .553, p = .000), the oil theft predictor with the next highest beta weight (Ã? = .451, p = .000), and the security costs predictor with the next highest beta weight (Ã? = .387, p = .000). The leaders of the oil and gas MNCs could use the outcome of this study in creating strategies and policies that guide their operations in the region, which would improve the relationship with host communities and mitigate their efforts in reducing the loss of revenue. Improved relations would result in a reduction of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and security costs, thereby reducing revenue losses. The implication of positive social change includes implementation of more corporate social responsibility strategies and improving the economy of the region and the livelihood of the host communities.

Many leaders of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) lack strategies to build and maintain a financially sustainable organization to continue providing vital social services. The purpose of this single case study was to explore the financial strategies some NPO leaders used to maintain financial sustainability during general economic downturns. Five purposively selected leaders of an NPO in northwestern Indiana participated in the study. The resource dependency theory and the change management theory were the conceptual frameworks that guided the study. Data were collected from face-to-face and telephone interviews and a review of company documentation. Member checking was conducted with participants and data triangulation occurred with an analysis of organization documents that reinforced the validity of the findings. Data were analyzed using Yin's 5-step process of coding of participants' responses, including examining, categorizing, tabulating, creating a data display, and testing the data. Data analysis of organizational documents, interview transcripts, and the organization's social media sites revealed 3 themes: partnerships, fundraising, and diversification as the strategies used to maintain financial sustainability during periods of economic downturns. The findings of this study might contribute to positive social change by providing information to NPO leaders to help improve financial strategies and sustainability for community service organizations during general economic downturns and maintain social services.

El sector textil mundial, como se sabe, genera desperdicios a través de todos los procesos productivos, que, por lo general son manejados de manera inadecuada. Las empresas buscan implementar conciencia ambiental para que la producción se realice de manera eficiente y sostenible. Esta situación resulta de mayor impacto en las empresas textiles de menor envergadura, por ejemplo, las MYPES. Por ello, el presente artículo propone la aplicación de la filosofía Lean. Al respecto, se han realizado estudios que demuestran el impulso de esta filosofía al desarrollo Green, obteniendo resultados eficientes para las empresas. El objetivo de este trabajo es proponer un nuevo modelo Lean-Green, el cual está estructurado en seis fases: Fase 0 Formación del pensamiento ambiental, Fase 1 Estabilización de los flujos de valor, Fase 2 Identificación de los aspectos e impactos ambientales, Fase 3 Medir el flujo de valor ambiental, Fase 4 mejora de una corriente continua, Fase 5 mejora continua. La herramienta Lean que se implementará es el KAIZEN y, el modelo se validó en una empresa de confección textil, cuyos resultados implicaron un 25% de aumento en la producción y un 15% en la reducción del impacto ambiental. / As is known, textile industry produce wastes through all the production process that usually are poor handled. Businesses try to implement environmental awareness to make the production efficient and sustainable. This have more impact on small textile businesses like MYPES. Thus, this article propose the application of the Lean philosophy. There have been studies that this philosophy helps to develop the Green with great results for the business. The aim of this article is to propose a new Lean-Green model structured in six steps: Phase 0 create an environmental way of thinking, Phase 1 stabilization of flow values, Phase 2 recognition of environmental aspects and impacts, Phase 3 measure the environmental value flux, Phase 4 improvement of a continuous flow, Phase 5 continuous development. The Lean tool to apply is the Kaizen and the model have been validated on a textile production business. The results of this shows a 25% increase of the production and a 15% decrease of environmental impact. / Tesis

In the 18th and 19th centuries the idea of "progress" guided the development of the West's images of its own future. As is well known, progress began to lose its capacity to operate as a metadescription of society in the middle of the 19th century. By the end of World War I the idea of progress was in a deep crisis from which it would never completely recover. This dissertation examines the historical period between the moment when the idea of progress began to decline and the period in which a new kind of image of the future began to take shape. This new type of image of the future takes place in what I call "the age of sustainability." "The age of sustainability" does not indicate a particular mode of imagining the future, but rather a set of cultural conditions that are favorable to the production of ideas like sustainability. Sustainability itself is only the dominant available mode of imagining the future under the conditions of the age of sustainability. The idea of progress began its decline because the descriptive mechanisms that supported it began to erode: revised assumptions about the social roles of technology, a perceived diminishment of the future time available to human societies, the increasing complexity of social relations, and the decreasing availability of metanarratives all contributed to the decline of the idea of progress. During this period of decline, however, new descriptive mechanisms arose that sought to compensate for what had become unavailable in the production of images of the future. These new descriptive mechanisms account for the difference between the "age of progress" and the "age of sustainability." The central question of this dissertation, then, is to ask what social conditions most contribute to the development of the kinds of images of the future that predominate in the age of sustainability. Among these are: 1) the increasing complexity of all social relations and an attendant scarcity of time which generates consciousness of risk; 2) an inertial resistance to change imposed on social systems by the frictional force of risk; 3) a requirement under conditions of increasing complexity that trust is increasingly placed in expert systems, which has the tendency to situate responsibility for crisis amelioration with nonhumans; and 4) the unavailability of unifying descriptions of society that is responsible for a diminished optimism regarding the possibility of normatively guiding social development.

As communities continue to face issues relating to sustainability and with students demanding more university courses focused on solving these issues, a program that works to address both factors could prove beneficial. Modeled after the University of Oregon’s Sustainable Cities Initiative, the Community Bridge Initiative (CBI) at Utah State University aims to tackle specific community sustainability concerns by enlisting student and faculty expertise to create innovative ideas and provide increased capacity. While CBI is still in its pilot year, this thesis identified the benefits and challenges associated with the application of this program and provided recommendations to best implement this program once it leaves the pilot stage. Data were collected from a community needs assessment and from students enrolled in CBI pilot classes. The community needs assessment revealed that of 35 local organizations surveyed, 91% wanted to partner with USU in efforts to address current and future issues, showing that CBI would have the needed community support should it choose to partner with local organizations on various issues. Organization needs included improving the communities of Cache Valley, educating the public about important issues and spreading awareness of their specific programs, and mitigating funding and physical resource issues. For partnerships, organizations were most interested in pairing with USU on education and volunteer initiatives and sustainability-based efforts. In regard to students enrolled in CBI courses, the program also gained student validation as 92% of the students reported that the class positively impacted them, 88% would take a CBI course again, 63% would list the experience on their resume, and 73% felt that the class was more effective in communicating course content in comparison to traditional USU courses. Following these results, full implementation of the CBI program at Utah State University is recommended.